We are excited to announce and celebrate the promotion of two of our esteemed team members. Jonathan West (Austin studio) and Dan Morrison (Scottsdale studio) will join the leadership team as Associates. Both have shown remarkable leadership, service-focused professionalism, and an exemplary aptitude for creating innovative and successful project solutions. We look forward to their continued contributions to the firm’s on-going success.

Jonathan West is a Senior Design Architect with over 18 years of experience in complex large-scale projects including mixed-use developments, corporate office, multi-family residential, civic, and religious facilities. Working directly with clients and integrated design teams, Jonathan brings thoughtful leadership, creative thinking, and big ideas to the design process. Jonathan is a visual thinker and a problem solver whose design philosophy relies on creative and innovative solutions that are sustainable, performative, and economical. His commitment to design excellence and client service makes him a valued contributor to the ongoing success and leadership of the firm.

Since joining Nelsen Partners in 2020, Jonathan has quickly become an integral contributor to many of the Austin studio’s most complex design efforts. He has led the design of several large mixed-use master planning efforts that are currently on the boards; Santa Rita Courts, the preservation and redevelopment of a historic affordable housing project in Austin, TX; and Downtown Chesterfield, a 6 million sf mixed-use master-planned development just outside of St Louis, MO.

Dan Morrison is a Senior Project Manager with over 20 years of experience in high-quality commercial architecture. Throughout his career, Dan has been involved in all stages of project development, from pre-design through construction. Now focusing his efforts on project management and delivery, Dan has been a major collaborator in shaping and refining our processes and standards ensuring quality documentation. Dan’s positive attitude and willingness to wade into complex issues and develop workable solutions make him a valued contributor to the ongoing growth and leadership of our firm.

Since rejoining Nelsen Partners in 2011, Dan has grown into a multi-talented architect, playing a key role in many of the Scottsdale studio’s most notable hospitality, retail, and restaurant projects. Dan has been integral in the delivery of multiple galleries for Restoration Hardware around the country, as well as various upscale restaurants for Prime Steak Concepts. His strong commitment to our clients is only paralleled by his enthusiasm for knowledge sharing and mentoring developing professionals.

We asked our newest Associates a few questions to find out what inspires them in life and architecture. Read on to find out more.

What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture? Was there a particular moment or experience that made you realize this was the path you wanted to take?

JW:  I always enjoyed drawing as a child and from my earliest memories was really interested in the construction of things and how everything came together. By the time high school came around, I channeled this into basic Architectural drafting classes. I fell in love then and never looked back.

DM: I think it really started when I was young and recognized that different spaces made me feel differently. As a child I had access to large cardboard appliance boxes and started creating spaces and basic massing. Ultimately, it was a high school drafting course that really got me thinking about the space and forms of buildings, which helped to begin pursuing a career in Architecture.

FAVORITE ARCHITECTURE STYLE?

JW: Can’t say that I have one. For me, context and site have a big influence on aesthetics.

DM: Contemporary

WHAT'S THE MOST INTERESTING PROJECT YOU'VE EVER WORKED ON, AND WHY?

JW: I don’t have a favorite project per se, but I do really enjoy high-rise design. The density, the urban environments, the complexity, all the coordination required to make one perform and work well, is just a really fun puzzle.

DM: I’ve worked on a few interesting projects, but I think the thing that probably made them interesting was the complexity and beauty of them.

FAVORITE MATERIAL?

JW: Stone

DM: That’s a tough question. Generally, I’d say it is a tie between metal materials and wood. I love metal for the really clean lines it can create, but I love wood for warmth and connection to nature that it provides.

Outside of architecture, what are your favorite hobbies or interests? Do any of these hobbies influence your design work?

JW: Working out, running, hiking, and making delicious food.

DM: Hiking, camping and generally doing things outside or in nature. I think that it does influence my work. There is a feeling that I get when outdoors that feels good, refreshing and peaceful. It seems like many times we try to find ways to create similar experiences in the built environment and I am no exception to that.

IF YOU HAD TO BE A BUILDING, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU BE?

JW: Difficult to pick one, but for now I would probably say Renzo Piano’s ‘The Shard’ in London.

DM: For this I thought it would be fun to pick something obscure and AD didn’t disappoint with, “12 of the Strangest Buildings in the World.” From that list I’ll go with Crooked House in Sopot, Poland. 😊